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A trip to Walt Disney World can feel overwhelming, with so much to do and so much information to process. Planning will ensure that the fun family vacation you're looking forward to becomes a reality. Do the research, get the information and make the decisions early to avoid the Disney World stress that so commonly afflicts park visitors.

Beginning Your Plan

To begin your basic plan, make some early decisions about where you will stay--on property in one of the Disney resort hotels, at a hotel nearby or rent a condo for a week. The rest of your vacation plans will depend on this first decision. The Disney World website has information on resorts, as well as all-inclusive vacation plans.

Your Days in the Park

With so much to do at Walt Disney World, you need a plan to get to what's most important to you. Each day's activities depend on the ages and interests of your vacation party. Go to the Disney website to order free vacation-planner DVDs and park maps. After viewing the information, decide what you can't live without, then plan your days around those activities.

Discounts

A vacation to Walt Disney World can be an expensive proposition. Look for websites, such as MouseSavers.com, that list discounts related to Disney, from park tickets to hotels to airfare. All-inclusive packages can save you some cash if you're not planning to leave the property. Depending on the time of year, you may find discounted tickets and rooms. Definite off-seasons exist at Walt Disney World--plan a visit during one of those times for less expense and smaller crowds.

Food

You'll find hundreds of places to eat at Disney World, from five-diamond gourmet fare to hot dog stands. Check out the restaurants before you go, because many require reservations at all times. Character meals, where you eat with Mickey, Minnie and others, promise fun for the family, but fill up weeks or months in advance. Allears.net, a site dedicated to all things Disney, has menus for every restaurant on the property, and many reviews as well.

Fun for Kids

Make a plan to find Hidden Mickeys throughout your stay, checking on rides, in souvenir shops and even within hotel carpeting. Spend the week announcing every new hidden Mickey you find. Also, purchase a small autograph book for your child to carry into the parks. The costumed characters will sign it, and your child will go home with a collection of "famous" autographs to show her friends.

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About the Author

Working in sunny Florida, Anne Baley has been writing professionally since 2009. Her home and lifestyle articles have been seen on Coldwell Banker and Gardening Know How. Baley has published a series of books teaching how to live a frugal life with style and panache.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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